Two new criminal justice laws have been welcomed as ‘steps forward’ by the police commissioner.
John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said the new Crime and Policing Act and the Victims and Courts Bill will help strengthen policing and improve support for victims.
Mr Campion said: “Two central pillars of my Safer Communities Plan are ‘cutting crime’ and ‘supporting victims and witnesses.’
“I have heard loud and clear from the public that they want the law to reflect the modern-day challenges facing policing and the criminal justice system.”
The Crime and Policing Act , which has passed its final Parliamentary hurdle, gives police greater powers to address issues such as shoplifting, knife crime, and violence against women and girls.
The Victims and Courts Bill is expected to improve the experience of victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process.
Mr Campion said the legislation is a step in the right direction, but urged further action to ensure the entire system is effective.
He said: “That’s why these two laws are a welcome step forward, but it cannot end there.
“The whole system from policing to the courts, needs to be prioritised when it comes to how resources are allocated.”
